The aim of the book is to provide an in-depth review of our current understanding of the pathogenesis of both asthma and COPD. This volume also discusses the promising new options for pharmacological intervention of these diseases. Each chapter is extensively referenced, generously illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs, and represents a state-of-the-art review of this important area of lung biology.

1. Current Drugs

?-Adrenoceptor Agonists
Anticholinergic Bronchodilators
Theophylline in the Treatment of Respiratory Disease
Corticosteroids
Mediator Antagonists and Anti-Allergic Drugs
2. Future Drugs
New Bronchodilator Drugs
Selective Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Respiratory Disease
Cytokine Modulators
Inhibitors of Leucocyte-Endothelial Adhesion as Potential Treatments for Respiratory Disease
New Antiallergic Drugs
Pharmacogenetics, Pharmacogenomics and Gene Therapy
Evaluation of New Drugs for Asthma and COPD: Endpoints, Biomarkers and Clinical Trial Designs
Novel Anti-inflammatory Therapies.